If you prefer getting away from the tourist traps & typically
busy campgrounds on the Big Sur Central Coast, you will love
the backroads of Los Padres
National Forest. Open dispersed camping options on dirt backroads
are the ultimate in seclusion & enjoying nature. The views
up here are so great, you'll be literally in awe.

Above the coastal fog!! Leave that damp marine
layer behind & head for the sunshine on the hills. You can
enjoy the stars at night & could even wake to sunny skies
with ocean views in the morning.

There are at least a dozen existing sites
along this ridge road. Tread lightly & be very careful in
clearing a camp, using a stove or back country campfire.

Fire has damaged this beautiful natural area
recently. Fire restrictions are high in this fragile area. Fire permits are required
at any time of the year & sometimes fires banned all together.

CLICK TO
ENLARGE

map credit Thomas Bros.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

map credit NFS:
Los Padres - Mont. Distr.

From
the coast Hwy.1 a few miles south of Lucia, across the street
from Kirk Creek Campground, take the narrow winding paved road,
Naciemiento Ferguson Rd. up te mountain 7 mi. to the main dirt
road crossing.(before the ranger station) Turn right on Coast
Ridge Trail #20S05 & continue 5 mi. to right turn
up hill & onto ridge area. Campspots are dirt road dead ends
with small clearings. Be extremely careful with any flame, stoves,
& cigartettes. Fire
permits may be required; check with the local ranger ahead
of time. Pay attention to rules & fire dangers. Fire restrictions
are posted at the beginning of the dirt road entrance.

BIG SUR HOT SPRINGS / HIKING HOT SPRINGS: Turn left off Nacimiento Road, on to Cone Peak Rd / southbound, it continues into Ventana Wilderness trailhead parking area with a few primitive campsites (for backpackers arriving late). Sykes Hot Springs may be reached from way back here. We now have new, waterproof Ventana Wilderness Maps.